Whale & Dolphin Watching
Off Trincomalee, the east coast has its own whale season: fin whales offshore, big pods of spinner dolphins closer in, and blue whales and sperm whales on rarer days. A different coast and different months to Mirissa, with the same honesty: they're wild animals, and nothing is ever guaranteed.
Prefer the boat to yourselves?
Book the whole boat as a private charter: up to 5 people, on your own schedule.
1–5 persons: LKR 83,750 · 6–10 persons: LKR 167,500 (2 boats)
Sri Lanka is one of the best places on earth to see blue whales, the largest animal that has ever lived. Off Mirissa the deep water comes close to shore, and blue whales and fin whales are the main sightings; off Nilaveli it's fin whales and big pods of spinner dolphins. Early start, open water, and dolphins riding the bow on many mornings. Sightings are never guaranteed by anyone honest, but the odds here are genuinely good, especially in peak months. You go out with an experienced local crew who know these waters.
What’s included
- An experienced local crew
- Refreshments on board
Not included
- Seasickness medication (bring your own)
- GoPro photos and video (not included on whale watching)
- DAN dive insurance (not a dive)
Good to know
Booking closes 24 hours before departure. Minimum age 4 in Mirissa (5+ recommended), 6 in Nilaveli.
Highlights
- Look for blue whales, the biggest animal alive.
- Spinner dolphins by the hundred, riding the bow.
- Early boat and open ocean, when the sea is calmest.
Requirements
- Mirissa: minimum age 4 (we recommend 5+: early start, up to a few hours at sea, young children can get seasick).
- Nilaveli: minimum age 6.
- Booking closes 24 hours before departure.
- No swimming or experience needed.
Programme & duration
- 05:45Meet at the meeting point
- 06:00Departure
- around 06:20Looking for whales and dolphins
- 08:00Back on shore
Times on the water are approximate and follow the sea and the group on the day.
An early departure at 06:00, about 2 hours at sea.
What to bring
- A warm layer (it can be chilly at sea early)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A camera
- Seasickness medication if you’re prone to it. Take it before departure
Meeting & pick-up
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
- Our centre is right on the beach. Most accommodation is a short walk or tuk tuk away. There is no tuk tuk pick-up service on the east coast.
- Your confirmation email carries the exact meeting point and time.
Who it’s for
For: Anyone who wants to see whales and dolphins, families with kids old enough for an early boat.
Not for: Not for those who get badly seasick without medication, or who need a guaranteed sighting.
What you might see
Fin whales; blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde's whales and orcas on rarer days; big pods of spinner dolphins.